Cafelat Robot Review

If you’re in the market for a high-quality manual espresso machine that can produce cafe-quality shots in the comfort of your own home, the Cafelat Robot might just be the perfect fit. In this in-depth Cafelat Robot review, I’ll dive into the features, pros, and cons of this unique espresso maker to help you decide if it’s the right machine for your coffee setup. Spoiler alert: I like it.

Quick Cafelat Robot Review

The Cafelat Robot is a manual lever espresso machine that has gained a dedicated following among coffee enthusiasts for its ability to produce excellent espresso with a hands-on approach. Its unique, retro-modern design is sure to be a conversation starter in any kitchen.

What I like about the Cafelat Robot is its simplicity and the level of control it offers over the brewing process. The low thermal mass of the brew chamber helps maintain consistent temperatures, resulting in well-balanced and flavorful shots. However, the lack of a built-in milk frother may be a drawback for those who enjoy milk-based drinks.

Feature	Cafelat Robot
Type	Manual lever espresso machine
Pressure	6-10 bar, user-controlled
Portafilter Size	57.5mm
Built-in guage	Yes
Milk frother	No
Dimensions	12” x 6.5” x 10”
Weight	7.5 lbs
Warranty	1–3 years via Extend

Who the Cafelat Robot Is For

The Cafelat Robot is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who value the hands-on experience of making espresso and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each shot. If you enjoy experimenting with different variables to dial in your perfect espresso, the Cafelat Robot gives you full control over the brewing process.

In my experience, the Cafelat Robot is best suited for those who have some experience with espresso making and are willing to put in the time and effort to master the technique. It’s not the best choice for those who prioritize convenience or want a machine that can automatically froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.

Cafelat Robot Pros and Cons

Cafelat Robot Review

In this section, I’ll take a closer look at the various aspects of the Cafelat Robot to help you determine if it’s the right espresso machine for your needs.

Appearance

The Cafelat Robot boasts a distinctive, retro-modern aesthetic that sets it apart from other espresso machines. Its design looks like something straight out of a 1950’s World’s Fair exhibit, with clean lines and a polished stainless steel finish. Compared to other manual espresso makers like the Flair 58 and the Flair Pro 2, the Cafelat Robot has a more compact and streamlined appearance that is sure to be a focal point in any kitchen.

It comes in five pastel colorways but, let’s be honest, the retro green option is obviously the coolest.

Ease of Use

Using the Cafelat Robot does require some manual effort, but its simple design makes it relatively easy to operate once you get the hang of it. The machine consists of a base, a portafilter, a brew chamber, and a lever. To make espresso, you preheat the brew chamber, grind your beans, dose and tamp your grounds into the portafilter, and then use the lever to apply pressure and extract the shot.

One notable feature that sets the Cafelat Robot apart from other manual espresso machines is its pressure gauge, which allows you to monitor the pressure you’re applying during the extraction process. This helps ensure consistent results and makes it easier to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

While the Cafelat Robot is ideal for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to espresso making, it may not be the best choice for those who prioritize convenience or want a machine with automated features like a built-in grinder or milk frother.

Coffee Quality

The Cafelat Robot is capable of producing cafe-quality espresso, thanks to its ability to maintain stable temperatures throughout the brewing process. Unlike the Flair Pro 2, which has a higher thermal mass in the brew chamber and doesn’t come with an active heating element, the Cafelat Robot’s brew chamber has a low thermal mass, allowing it to hold its temperature for longer. This results in more consistent extractions and a well-balanced, flavorful shot.

The key to achieving great espresso with the Cafelat Robot is to master the technique and find the right combination of grind size, dose, and pressure. With practice and experimentation, you can dial in your perfect shot and enjoy delicious espresso at home.

Counter Space and Footprint

One of the advantages of the Cafelat Robot is its compact size, which makes it a great option for those with limited counter space. Measuring just 12” x 6.5” x 10”, the Cafelat Robot has a smaller footprint than the Flair manual espresso makers and is significantly more compact than most automatic espresso machines. This is a huge benefit of the Robot, in my opinion, because it doesn’t dominate whatever counter you stand it on. If you really want to, you can store it away in a cabinet without too much effort thanks to its small footprint.

Brewing Options

The Cafelat Robot is designed specifically for making espresso, so it doesn’t offer the same versatility as some other brewing methods. You can make single or double shots of espresso, but if you want to make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes, you’ll need to purchase a separate milk frother or steamer.

Portafilter Compatibility

The Cafelat Robot uses its own 58mm filter basket and is not compatible with portafilters or accessories from other espresso machines. While this may be a drawback for those who already own equipment from other brands, it ensures that the components are optimized for use with the Cafelat Robot.

Price

At around $450, the Cafelat Robot is a significant investment for a manual espresso maker. However, it’s important to consider the quality of the espresso it produces and the machine’s durability. Compared to the Flair manual espresso makers, the Cafelat Robot is slightly more expensive than the Pro 2, but less expensive than the Flair 58.

When compared to automatic espresso machines that produce similar quality espresso, the Cafelat Robot is significantly more affordable. High-end automatic machines can easily cost several hundred dollars more, making the Cafelat Robot a compelling option for those who prioritize espresso quality and are willing to put in the manual effort. For similar quality and flexibility as you get from the Robot, you’ll have to drop north of $1,000 on an automatic machine.

Quality

The Cafelat Robot is constructed primarily from high-quality stainless steel, giving it a sturdy, durable feel. The machine’s components fit together seamlessly, and the overall build quality is impressive. With proper care and maintenance, the Cafelat Robot can last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment for serious coffee enthusiasts.

It’s way less fiddly than an automatic espresso machine, which makes it ideal for people who want an espresso maker that just works. I’ve had automatic machines where I’ve spent as much time troubleshooting problems as I have brewing espresso.

Wrapping Up: Do I Recommend the Cafelat Robot?

After extensively testing the Cafelat Robot and considering its various features, pros, and cons, I can confidently recommend this manual espresso maker to coffee enthusiasts who value a hands-on approach and are willing to invest time in perfecting their technique.

The Cafelat Robot’s ability to produce high-quality espresso, its compact size, and its durable construction make it a standout choice in the manual espresso maker market. While it may not be the best option for those who prioritize convenience or want a machine with a built-in milk frother, the Cafelat Robot is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship and control that comes with manual espresso making.

FAQs

How long does it take to make an espresso with the Cafelat Robot?

With practice, you can make an espresso with the Cafelat Robot in about 5-7 minutes, including preheating the machine, grinding the beans, and extracting the shot. The process is a bit involved and will take you a few weeks to internalize. Once you have the process down, boiling the water will be the most time-consuming step.

Is the Cafelat Robot easy to clean?

Yes, the Cafelat Robot is very easy to clean, especially when you compare it to an automatic espresso machine. The portafilter and brew chamber can be rinsed with water after each use, and the machine’s simple design makes it easy to wipe down and maintain. The Robot is the easiest espresso machine to clean that I’ve ever used, bar none.

Can I make other types of coffee with the Cafelat Robot, like pour-over or French press?

No, the Cafelat Robot is designed specifically for making espresso and is not suitable for other brewing methods.

Do I need any additional accessories to use the Cafelat Robot?

You’ll need a coffee grinder to grind your beans fresh for each shot. Thankfully, the Robot comes with a steel tamper included. If you want to make milk-based drinks, you’ll also need a separate milk frother or steamer.

Is the Cafelat Robot suitable for beginners?

While the Cafelat Robot is relatively easy to use, it does require some practice and patience to master the technique. Beginners may face a slight learning curve, but with dedication and experimentation, anyone can learn to make great espresso with the Cafelat Robot. The learning curve is the price you have to pay to unlock the versatility the Robot provides.